California's Best Path to First-Time Homeownership.
The CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program pairs a CalHFA-backed first mortgage with down payment assistance — making homeownership a reality for low-to-moderate income Californians.
California Only
State
Up to 3.5% of Purchase Price
MyHome Assistance
CalHFA FHA or Conventional
Loan Type
First-Time Buyers, Income Limits Apply
Who Qualifies
Overview
State-Backed Support for California Homebuyers
The California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) offers a suite of first-mortgage programs paired with down payment assistance for first-time buyers who meet income and purchase price limits. The MyHome Assistance Program provides a deferred-payment junior loan of up to 3.5% of the purchase price that can be used toward the down payment or closing costs.
As a CalHFA-approved lender, Lumen Mortgage can originate CalHFA first mortgages combined with MyHome assistance — meaning you get both loans from one source, with one point of contact, and a clear path to closing.
Who This Is For
California Residents Only
CalHFA programs are exclusively available to California residents. If you're purchasing in Oregon, we'll identify the equivalent state and local down payment assistance programs available in your county.
Key Features
What Makes This Program Work
MyHome Down Payment Assistance
A deferred-payment junior loan of up to 3.5% of the purchase price to cover down payment or closing costs. No monthly payment — deferred until sale, refinance, or payoff.
California-Specific Program
CalHFA programs are exclusively for California borrowers — designed around California's unique housing costs and market dynamics.
FHA or Conventional First Loan
CalHFA first mortgages are available as either FHA or conventional — allowing buyers to choose the program that best fits their credit and income profile.
Competitive Fixed Rates
CalHFA first mortgages offer below-market fixed interest rates for qualifying borrowers — helping keep your monthly payment affordable.
Deferred Repayment
The MyHome junior loan has no monthly payments. It's repaid when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage.
County-Specific Limits
Income and purchase price limits vary by county — higher in high-cost counties like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Orange County.
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Requirements
General Qualifications
Ready to See If You Qualify?
Every borrower's situation is unique. Give us 15 minutes and we'll review your financial picture, identify every program you qualify for, and walk you through your options — at no cost and with no obligation.
Licensed in Oregon & California · NMLS #1498678
FAQ
Common Questions
From the Blog
Further Reading
CaliforniaCalHFA Programs: Down Payment Assistance for California Buyers
California's down payment assistance programs can provide significant help for qualifying buyers. Here's a plain-language guide to what CalHFA offers and how to access it through an approved lender.
OregonOregon First-Time Homebuyer Programs You May Not Know About
Oregon has several programs specifically designed to help first-time buyers get into a home with less money down and better rates. Here's what's available and how to qualify.
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